.OBJ (.OBJ)

Wavefront OBJ File

Learn about .obj (.obj) files - Wavefront OBJ File. Find software to open, compatibility information, and alternatives.

Data 634 Searches File Extension Details
.OBJ (.OBJ)
Wavefront OBJ File

What is a .obj (.obj) file?

File Extension Details

The Wavefront .OBJ file format is a geometry definition file format first developed by Wavefront Technologies for its Advanced Visualizer animation package. It has become a widely adopted open file format for 3D models. The OBJ file format stores 3D object data, representing the surface geometry using vertices, texture coordinates, vertex normals, and faces (polygons). It can also store material properties, although these are typically stored in a separate .MTL (Material Template Library) file that the .OBJ file references. The format is primarily used for static 3D models and does not support animation or skeletal rigging directly. It's a simple, text-based format, making it relatively easy to parse and edit. Because of its simplicity and widespread adoption, it's often used as an interchange format between different 3D modeling and rendering applications. While newer formats offer more advanced features like animation and complex material definitions, OBJ remains a popular choice for its compatibility and ease of use, especially for simpler models or as a common denominator for transferring geometry between different software packages. The format supports both polygonal and free-form geometry. The .OBJ file itself is a plain text file that contains a list of vertices, normals, texture coordinates, and faces, along with optional material references.

Software Compatibility

Programs that can open and work with .obj (.obj) files

Windows

Compatible Applications

Blender Compatible
Autodesk Maya Compatible
Autodesk 3ds Max Compatible
MeshLab Compatible
Microsoft 3D Viewer Compatible
Cinema 4D Compatible
Paint 3D Compatible

macOS

Compatible Applications

Blender Compatible
Autodesk Maya Compatible
MeshLab Compatible
Cinema 4D Compatible
SketchUp Compatible
FreeCAD Compatible

Linux

Compatible Applications

Blender Compatible
MeshLab Compatible
FreeCAD Compatible
Autodesk Maya (limited support via Wine) Compatible
OpenSCAD Compatible

Mobile

Mobile Applications

3D Viewer (Android) Compatible
uMake (iOS) Compatible
Onshape (iOS/Android) Compatible

Frequently Asked Questions

About .obj (.obj) files

To open a .obj (.obj) file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

  • Blender
  • Autodesk Maya
  • 3D Viewer (Android)

To convert a .obj (.obj) file to another format, you can:

  1. Use compatible software Many programs that open .obj (.obj) files also allow you to save or export them to different formats.
  2. Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert allow you to convert files between different formats without installing software.
  3. Specialized conversion tools: Search for '.obj (.obj) converter' to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

  1. Verify the file extension is correct:
  2. Update your software:
  3. Try alternative software:
  4. Check for file corruption:

Like any file type, .obj (.obj) files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

  • Always scan files with antivirus software before opening
  • Keep your operating system and applications updated.
  • Be especially cautious with executable file types

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